Ben Vereen : Biography, Pictures, Photos, Trivia, Address, Filmography (Tenspeed and Brown Shoe)

Tony Award winner for "Pippin"

He was understudy for Sammy Davis Jr. in the 1964 Broadway musical "Golden Boy".

Was named as "King of Brooklyn" at the Welcome Back to Brooklyn Festival in 1985

Won Broadway's 1973 Tony Award as Best Actor (Musical) for "Pippin." Was nominated the year before, in 1972, as Best Supporting or Featured Actor (Musical) for "Jesus Christ, Superstar."

Played both Madge Sinclair's husband and LeVar Burton's father in two different productions: "Roots" (1977) (mini) and "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (1987).

In June of 1992, he suffered a stroke following a minor car accident in which he hit his head on the steering wheel earlier that day. He recovered and after extensive physical and occupational therapy, was able to dance again.

Is a vegan.

Graduated from the New York's High School of the Performing Arts

Of modest beginnings, his father James was a factory worker and mother Pauline a maid and wardrobe mistress.